Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Cyprinus Carpio and Labeo Rohita in Contaminated Water Bodies

Abstract

Supporting a wide variety of aquatic species and delivering critical ecosystem services, freshwater ecosystems are an integral part of Earth's natural environment. Freshwater fishes are among the most ecologically and economically significant species found in these habitats. Heavy metal contamination, however, poses a growing danger to the long-term viability of these ecosystems and the fish populations that call them home. Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) exist naturally but may be harmful to aquatic life when present in high enough amounts. Two freshwater species were used as bioindicators for this research: Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita. Four stations' worth of water was obtained for analysis of fish muscle tissue and trace elements. Spectrophotometery was used to estimate total lipids, proteins, amino acids, and glycogen, while an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was utilized to detect metals.